Itinerary

1. Day 1: Sightseeing in Van – Transfer to Dogubayazit

   • Our trip will start when you arrive at Van airport. Drive to Gevas (about 40 km) to take a ferry trip to Akdamar Island from the airport. 
   • On the island, we will visit the Holy Cross Church, which was built by Armenians in the tenth century. Those who want can also swim in the lake. 
   • Return to Van for lunch and later visit the ancient Urartian Castle (Van Kalesi). From the castle, we will get a good view of Van Lake.
   • Drive to Dogubayazit. On the way, we will stop to see the Muradiye waterfall, take a few photos and drink tea.

   Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

2. Day 2: Visit Ishak Pasha Palace & Diyadin Hot Springs

   • In the morning, we will have a nutritious breakfast at the hotel.
   • Visit Ishak Pasha Palace - one of the most important palaces in Ottoman history, built in the 17th century. We will walk about 200 meters from the palace to see Urartian Castle and a mosque from Ottoman time. We will also visit the Tomb of Ahmedi Han, the first Kurdish philosopher, poet, historian and Sufi.
   • Return to the town for lunch and, in the afternoon, drive to a small town, Diyadin, where we can take a bath in natural hot springs.

   Overnight in Dogubayazit.

3. Day 3: Tour in Dogubayazit - Transfer to Kars

   • Drive to Noah's Ark National Park, located 10 km. from Mount Ararat. We will have the opportunity to see Noah's Ark's 'footprint': the ship-shaped area on the hill between Telceker and Uzengili villages.
   • Go to Meteor Crater. It is the second largest meteor crater in the world, 60 meters deep and 35 meters across. On the way to crater, we also can see border crossing with Iran. 
   • Have lunch in Dogubayazit, and then drive to Kars. On the way, stop to visit Akori village.

   Overnight in Kars.

4. Day 4: Sightseeing in Kars & Ani

   • After breakfast, visit the city centre, then - Kars Castle (12th-century Seljuk fortress) and Kumbet Camii, originally built as a Church of Apostles in the 10th century. 
   • Drive about 50 km to visit the ruins of Ani - the ancient capital city of the Armenian Kingdom. We will see its impressive fortified walls still encircling the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravanserais.

   Overnight in Kars.

5. Day 5: Transfer to the Airport

   • Enjoy a good breakfast at the hotel. Depending on our departure time, we can spend some time in Kars' city centre and buy famous Kars cheese and honey. Then we will pack our luggage and drive to the airport in Kars.

   Notice: There is also an option to drop you at the airport in Van at the end of the tour. If you choose this option, on Day 4, we will head back to Dogubayazit for an overnight stay.